Island of Murano Italy Walking Tour
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One thing you will not need on the Island of Murano is a car. The Venetian Island’s narrow lanes and canals are traveled on foot or by boat. Our Island of Murano Italy walking tour will introduce you to the best things to do in Murano Italy including touring glass factories, medieval churches, and canal-side neighborhoods largely unchanged since the Renaissance era.
The village is known the world over for its colorful Murano glass. Complimenting the island’s artisan glass culture, Murano is blessed with beautiful squares bursting with cafes, shops, and restaurants. The village is generally less crowded than the City of Venice. Randy and I enjoyed discovering this working community with a laid back vibe.
VENICE ITALY TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
WHERE IS THE ISLAND OF MURANO ITALY
Murano is a part of Venice Italy. It sits in the Venetian Lagoon; about a 10-20 minute boat ride from the city-proper. The “island” is actually a group of 7 islets. The one-square mile land mass supports a population of around 5,000 residents.
The Roman-era fishing village developed into a glass making powerhouse in the 13th century. At that time, the Venetian government decided to move the glass factories from Venice to Murano. The relocation decreased the risk of fires and helped keep the craftsmen’s techniques a secret.
Most visitors will make the boat ride from Venice to Murano Island on a vaporetto (water bus), water taxi, or on a private tour. The vaporetto is the cheapest option, but its lines can get very long (1-2 hours), especially during the peak afternoon hours.
Transport Services:
Venice City Card: Waterbus and Mainland Bus Pass
Murano, Burano, & Torcello: Water Taxi Tour
ROUTE DETAILS OF MURANO ITALY WALK
Walk Distance: 2.2 miles (3.6 km)
Walk Duration: Without stopping this walk would take around 58 minutes. With time built in for a glass factory tours, shopping, and a meal – plan for a 3-4 hour outing.
Directions: GPS may not work in the tiny village. There are few street signs. Hence, we have used addresses along with visual landmarks on this walking tour.
Dress: Sturdy, comfortable shoes. Sun protection. Cover knees and shoulders inside churches.
Time of Day: Any time of day. Fewest crowds on weekday mornings.
MURANO AND BURANO TOURS
Murano and Burano are sister Venetian Islands. Murano is known for its glassmaking traditions and Burano for its lacemaking. Both islands are small, and on the vaporetto line. Tours that bundle Murano and Burano into a day trip from Venice are hugely popular.
Try one of these well-reviewed tours:
ISLAND OF MURANO HOTELS
If you enjoy a quiet nightlife and family-friendly neighborhood, consider an overnight on the Island of Murano. The island has a variety of lodgings ranging from pensiones (boarding houses) to luxury accommodations. Try one of these well-reviewed Murano Italy hotels:
Hyatt Centric Murano Venice - 4-star hotel, housed in a former glass factory
Murano Palace - 3-star hotel; quiet, romantic, overlooking canals
NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa - 4 star luxury, boutique hotel
VENICE ITALY WEATHER
Venice Italy has a Mediterranean climate with high humidity and frequent rain. Temperatures in the summer (July) average in the 80’s (F). In the winter (January), temperatures average in the 40’s (F). June receives the most rain. Flooding is most common between October and January.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MURANO ISLAND
Randy and I think the best time to visit Murano is during the shoulder season months of April, May, June, and September. In these months the weather is warm, most businesses are open, and crowds are below peak.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
When shopping for glass, support Murano artisans by buying certified Murano glass (signed by the artist). Look for a certificate of authenticity; labeled “Vetro Artistico Murano.”
Public restrooms and ATMs are located in high-traffic areas throughout Murano Island. Credit cards and cash are generally accepted.
Those with mobility impairments may find the brick walks and stairs by bridges challenging. However, most terrain is flat and the Vaporetto boats are wheelchair accessible.
THINGS TO DO IN VENICE ITALY
WALKING MAP OF MURANO ISLAND
ISLAND OF MURANO WALKING TOUR ROUTE
STOP 1: MURANO COLANNA B VAPORETTO STOP
Address: 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Our walking tour begins at the Murano Colanna “B” vaporetto stop. Leaving the pier, turn left onto Fondamenta Serenella. Follow this road about 50 meters until reaching the Guarnieri Vetreria Artistic on the left.
STOP 2: GUARNIERI GLASS FACTORY
Address: Fondamenta Serenella, 3-4, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
The Guarnieri Glassworks uses traditional techniques to create masterful glass works. At the factory, take a guided tour (make reservations ahead). Observe glassmakers at work, and learn about their tools and techniques.
At the end of tour, take a look around the companies stunning showrooms and admire the beautiful chandeliers, bowls, sculptures, and beads – all for sale. When you are done shopping, retrace your steps back to Colonna pier.
STOP 3: FONDAMENTA DEI VETRAI
Address: Fondamenta Dei Vetrai, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
From the Colonna pier, turn onto the Island of Murano’s main street, Fondamenta dei Vetrai (“Street of the Glassmakers”). This lovely canal-side promenade is bordered by glass boutiques, Venetian bakeries, and galleries.
Savor this section of the walk. Enjoy the bridges crossing the canals. Take a few side trips down the alleys that veer off the walkway. Off of the main promenade, look for family run shops and restaurants where the prices tend to be lower.
EXPLORE MURANO GLASS MAKING
STOP 4: ST PETER MARTYR CHURCH
Address: Campiello Marco Michieli, 5, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
Nearing the end of Fondamenta dei Vetrai, search out the St Peter Martyr Church. Originating in the 14th century, the church is a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles. In the church’s interior look for artwork by Bellini, Tintoretto, and Veronese as well as ornate chandeliers made from Murano glass.
STOP 5: CLOCK TOWER AND CAMPO SANTO STEFANO
Address: Campo Santo Stefano, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
Leaving St. Peter’s, walk across Ponte San Pietro bridge toward the red brick clock tower (Torre dell’Orologia) in front of you. Located in Campo Santo Stefano, the tower was completed in 1890. You cannot climb the tower, and the clock does not work, but Campo Santo Stefano is a great place to find a café and people watch for a while.
If you are lucky, the Cometa di Vetro (Glass Comet) will be on display at the base of the clock tower. The spiky blue sculpture, created by Simone Cenedese, adds contemporary flair to the traditional Venetian square.
Leaving Campo Santo Stafano, retrace your steps over the bridge and take Fondamenta da Mula to the Ponte Longo Bridge. Once you cross the wood and iron structure, follow Fondamenta Venier to the Chiesa di Santa Maria. Note: Fondamenta Venier turns into Fondamenata Cristoforo.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
STOP 6: CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA DEGLI ANGELI
Address: Fondamenta Cristoforo Parmense, 48C, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
The 12th century single nave church is located in a quieter, more residential neighborhood of Murano Island. If the church is open, go inside to see a large glass chandelier and crucifix adorning the church as well as several artworks by Zunga, Molinari, and Giovane.
When you are finished viewing the church, enjoy a peaceful stroll back toward the village. Take Fondamenta Venier to Calle Brussa to Riva Longa. On this portion of the walk, explore the many alleys splicing off the main canal. Contrast the industrialized factories with their stunning companion showrooms displaying luxury goods.
STOP 7: BASILICA DEI SANTI MARIA E DONATO
Address: Campo S. Donato, 11, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
When you reach the Romanesque style basilica, pause to check out the church’s interior. The basilica is well-known for its intricate 12th century mosaic floor. Also, of note is the church’s relics of Saint Donatus and bones tucked behind the alter said to the remains of a slain dragon.
Leaving the basilica, get ready for a short walk and some lunch. From Campo S. Donato trek to Fondamenta S. Lorenzo, and then Fondamenta Andrea Navagero.
VENICE TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
STOP 8: OSTERIA AL DUOMO RESTAURANT
Address: Fondamenta Andrea Navagero, 20/21, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
Arriving at Osteria Al Duomo, ask for a garden table (make reservation ahead). At this restaurant we enjoyed simple, but great food (pizza, seafood, and pasta). The service was friendly and the leafy garden was cool and relaxing after the energy of town.
When you are done with your meal, cross the bridge and follow Murano’s Grand Canal all the way to the Ponte Longo Bridge. After traversing the bridge, cut through Campo Santo Stefano and take Fondamenta Antonio Colleoni to the Ellegi Glass Factory.
STOP 9: ELLIGI GLASS FACTORY
Address: Fondamenta San Giovanni dei Battuti 4b & Giovanni dei Battuti, 5/5, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
End you walk on the Island of Murano the same way you started it, with a glass factory tour. At the Ellegi Factory and showroom, the rambling factory buildings are a fun contrast to the colorful glass treasures displayed in company showrooms.
STOP 10: VAPORETTO STOP FARO DI MURANO
Address: Murano Faro "A", Venezia - Murano, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
From the Ellegi factory make your way to the Faro Vaporetto stop for the trip back to Venice.
Good luck finding your own Murano glass treasure, Laura and Randy
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